King Juan Carlos & Queen Sofia of Spain

Although this was called a "private" visit  so what, he went to kill animals. I took his picture down from my gallery. It goes in a very dark closet. Such an exemplar of "modern" monarchy behaves like  the older days when his privileges were unchallenged.
 I do not wish the man ill, but he has certainly lost  any respect I might have had for him.
 As for the national sport, it is futball now.  Support for the ring is dwindling and even being banned, as I understand it in some areas.
 

Yes, thank you. You are completely correct. The government of Botswana quietly go about their own business and are proactive in many areas to improve the way of life of their own people, and as far as I am concerned, set a very good example to many other African countries. ( Think Zimbabwe et. al. )
I cannot understand though why they allowed entry to HM King Juan Carlos, who is the head of state of a supposedly "civilised" European country, to shoot their protected animals. Not only is it barbaric, cruel and insensitive, it is also irresponsible and a bad reflection of Spain. I have always been horrified by the national blood sport of Spain, as are most cicvilised people, but perhaps HM should put on his tights and get his geriatric butt into a bullring in his own country and see how far he gets. Probably a lot worse than a broken hip.

My apologies if I seem to be going over the top, but I am incensed, and I think he should apologise publicly for his arrogance and cruelty to animals. He aught to be ashamed of himself.
    

I agree with you Brassov,syllable by syllable!

He spiraled down from the absolute champion of democracy into a degenerate fart out of touch
and the reason of much Queen Sophie has to put up with.Really...

The recent hunting accidents suffered by the Spanish royal family and the history of royals on the hunt

http://www.royalhistorian.com/king-juan-carlos-of-spain-and-the-history-of-royalty-on-the-hunt/

The King is under huge flack,and rightfully so:

http://gpdhome.typepad.com/royalblognl_news_summary/2012/04/king-juan-carlos-under-fire.html

courtesy hja

Juanito's eliphant song is all over Spain:

http://gpdhome.typepad.com/royalblognl_news_summary/2012/04/king-juan-carlos-in-the-dock.html


courtesy hja

I dont know how anyone in his position could make such a dumb public relations mistake at a time like this. Does the man not have advisors ?
Has he not learnt anything from history, and after all the years of struggle to rehabilitate the Spanish Royal family ? Makes me wonder how comitted he really is to his country and the wellbeing of his countrymen. I think he must be an embarrasment to his long suffering wife !
Is he related to Marie Antoinette ? Yes he must be. In his case actions speak louder than words.   

He is a huge disappointment to me. But it is up to the Spanish people to decide what to do with him. It is to be hoped that CP Felipe can rescue the reputation of the monarchy.
 I have never seen such an insensitive display of arrogance in a modern monarchy. Even Prince Phillip just makes a fool out of himself, does no real damage.

Hi,

Why didn't he shoot elephants and other animals with a CAMERA...  That way there is sport and adventure and the animals are still alive for someone else to PHOTOGRAPH them..........

Also, why are guns not locked up so stupid little undisciplined princes cannot get hold of them and shoot themselves.  He's lucky only his foot got shot...

Larry

Hi,

Why didn't he shoot elephants and other animals with a CAMERA...  That way there is sport and adventure and the animals are still alive for someone else to PHOTOGRAPH them..........

Also, why are guns not locked up so stupid little undisciplined princes cannot get hold of them and shoot themselves.  He's lucky only his foot got shot...

Larry

Froilan is not a Prince,just Froilan,and he's the son of his father Larry...

Understandable. I had never even heard of him before, no idea who he is. I assume the son of one of the Infantas ?

I have to say I'm amazed that forum members are surprised that the King of Spain would shoot Elephants for recreation!

Firstly, he's Spanish, a country where animal rights are unheard of and secondly bloodspots are still very much a fundemental cultural rite of the ruling/upper classes.

My father's family are Scots landowners and still enjoy nothing better than a stag hunt. In my defense all I can say is I'm now a vegetarian but I was brought up with blood sports and in those circles its still seen as perfectly normal to go around shooting defenseless animals for fun.

I think many royalty fans are completely taken in with the PR and fail to grasp just how 'medieval' ( ie deeply deeply arrogant and rightwing ) these people really are.

Understandable. I had never even heard of him before, no idea who he is. I assume the son of one of the Infantas ?

  You are correct, Robert. To give the shortened version of his name, Don Felipe de Marichalar de Borbon is the son of the King's eldest daughter, HRH Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo. I believe that he attended school in England a year or so ago.  And Lucien is likewise correct: Don Felipe is not a HRH, but a HE (His Excellency).  
  As to how the somewhat unusual name "Froilan" fits into the picture:  It is indeed one of his names, after the name of the patron saint of Lugo.  Basicly the newsreporting use it to distinguish him from his uncle, the Prince of the Asturias, etc.  He is not called such within the Family.     Regards,  AP.

The king did apologise today, but I think it is a bit late for that.
  As for blood sports and right wing royals. It is my understanding that bull fighting is rapidly loosing popularity. Some countries do not kill the animal, I think Portugal and Mexico. I could be mistaken but this is from memory of an article I read some time ago.
  I am against it, but the stag hunt is a bit different than hunting wild elephants.

Hi,

I still say "Use a camera!!"........
One can still staulk their animals, be it elephants or stags, and just take a picture....  The thrill of the hunt is still there and nobody's hurt...
Bull fighting is barbaric - I once saw one, as a boy in the 50's, and was sick for 3 days...  Revolting....

I did not know that Froilan was not a prince - he and the parents are just stupid, no matter what title they have....

Larry

And, he is not all that excellent if he shoots himself in the foot.